Re “Cartoon disrespectful to pope, (Letters, March 6): Letter writer Joanne Schoetzow should get over herself. In case she hasn’t noticed, the pope has a lopsided smile (as well as long ears), which is rather endearing. Furthermore, when invoking the Purple Heart of her father, she should recall that the pope, when young, was a member of the Hitlerjugend, which would have automatically made him the “enemy” of those freedoms she vaunts. — Lora Sigler, San Pedro

Low opinion of Hawthorne city leaders a problem

Re “Officials to block Goodwill stores” (March 5): The arrogant disconnect of Hawthorne’s City Council members never ceases to amaze me. A couple of years ago, we were told that recycling centers were not wanted in Hawthorne because they smell bad and attract poor people.

Now we are told by Councilwoman Oliva Valentine that because our city has so little going for it, the presence of two Goodwill stores would dictate Hawthorne’s public image.

I am certain that there are a number of notable economists including Joseph Stiglitz and Paul Krugman, who would join me in applauding the editorial staff for supporting an increase in the minimum wage. This increase would be a small, but meaningful step in addressing the increasing income gap between the rich and the poor – something that needs to be done to help stabilize our economy. I can’t help but wonder how many of the critics of a minimum wage hike are part of the 10.5 million Americans classified as the “working poor? ” — Karl Strandberg, Long Beach

Avoiding the real source of fiscal challenges

Re “Officials to vote on labor contracts” (March 5): The Manhattan Beach City Council agreements with its labor groups represent a lost opportunity to strengthen employer-employee relations and to ensure the city retains employees who have served our community with the highest professional standards.

Rather, the City Council resorted to typical hard-line “concession bargaining” consisting of takeaways rather than mutual gain agreements to meet the needs of all parties and residents. Specifically, the increased burdens imposed on employees will further diminish morale among our “best and brightest” who will seek employment at other public agencies or the private sector at a time when public service requires higher degrees of competencies and commitment to meet the growing complexity and challenges of government.

Rather, the City Council avoids the real source of its fiscal challenges: its misuse and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. What the City Council can shamefully claim is, “We are no worse than anybody else.” — Edward C. Caprielian, Manhattan Beach

Letter writer questions White House cuts

Re “White House cancels tours as a result of budget cuts” (March 5): A sign posted at the White House and a recorded message on the White House Visitors Office Hotline said all public tours will be discontinued starting March 9 until further notice because of staffing reductions resulting from sequestration. Also, they will not reschedule affected tours. I’m wondering how this is possible since the persons conducting these tours are volunteers? — Faye DeVore, Lakewood